Classifications

A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition

A61K8/96—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing materials, or derivatives thereof of undetermined constitution

A61K8/97—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing materials, or derivatives thereof of undetermined constitution from algae, fungi, lichens or plants; from derivatives thereof

A61K8/4973—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing heterocyclic compounds with oxygen as the only hetero atom

A61K8/498—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing heterocyclic compounds with oxygen as the only hetero atom having 6-membered rings or their condensed derivatives, e.g. coumarin

A—HUMAN NECESSITIES

A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE

A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES

A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations

A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition

A61K8/30—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds

A61K8/55—Phosphorus compounds

A61K8/553—Phospholipids, e.g. lecithin

A—HUMAN NECESSITIES

A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE

A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES

A61K8/00—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations

A61K8/18—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition

A61K8/30—Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of increasing firmness or elasticity or reducing the appearance of sagginess in the periorbital area of a person's skin, comprising topically applying to the skin in need thereof a composition comprising magnolia extract and vitis vinifera extract.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/048,953, filed Mar. 14, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/912,793, filed Apr. 19, 2007. The contents of these applications are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to skin care compositions. In non-limiting aspects, the compositions can be used to treat skin conditions such as telangiectasia, eye circles, and puffy eyes. In certain embodiments, the compositions can include a Magnolia extract and can be incorporated into cosmetic products.

B. Background of the Invention

Ageing, chronic exposure to adverse environmental factors, malnutrition, fatigue, etc., can change the visual appearance, physical properties, or physiological functions of skin in ways that are considered visually undesirable. Some notable changes include the appearance spider veins, eye circles (e.g., dark circles under the eye), and puffy eyes. Other changes include the development of aged or environmentally damaged skin which can include the appearance fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increased sagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarse surface texture, and mottled pigmentation. Less obvious, but measurable changes which occur as skin ages or endures chronic environmental insult include a general reduction in cellular and tissue vitality, reduction in cell replication rates, reduced cutaneous blood flow, reduced moisture content, accumulated errors in structure and function, alterations in the normal regulation of common biochemical pathways, and a reduction in the skin's ability to remodel and repair itself Many of the alterations in appearance and function of the skin are caused by changes in the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while others are caused by changes in the lower dermis.

1. Spider Veins

Spider veins (i.e., telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities) are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, spider veins are most commonly found on the face and legs. They can be visible to the naked eye and typically appear as unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins on the thighs, calves, and ankles of people. It is estimated that over half of the adult female population suffers from this cosmetic problem. Factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins include heredity, pregnancy, and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications.

Typical methods for treating spider veins is through cosmetic surgery (e.g., sclerotherapy, laser surgery, electrodesiccation, surgical ligation, and ambulatory phlebectomy). For instance, sclerotherapy is a surgical procedure where veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. Risks associated with sclerotherapy include the formation of blood clots in the veins, severe inflammation, adverse allergic reactions to the sclerosing solution, and skin injury that can lead to permanent scarring. Further, it is common to develop irregular skin pigmentation in the treated areas (e.g., brownish splotches) that can take several months to fade. Another problem associated with sclerotherapy is “telangiectatic matting,” where fine reddish blood vessels appear around the treated area, requiring further injections. Other surgical methods can have similar side effects.

2. Eye Circles and Puffy Eyes

The skin around the periorbital area (i.e., around the eyes) is thin and delicate. Like all skin, the periorbital area is webbed with tiny capillaries. Blood sometimes leaks from these capillaries which can cause the appearance of dark circles under the eye. Other known causes dark under eye circles include UV exposure (e.g., exposure to the sun can increase natural melanin levels and draws the melanin to the surface of the skin, making it darker), ageing (e.g., with age, the skin around the eyes can become even thinner which makes dark under eye circles become more pronounced), fatigue (being tired can make skin paler which makes dark circles look darker), allergies (e.g., allergic reactions can cause smudges in the under eye area and conditions that causes a person to rub their eyes can make dark circles worse because scratching or rubbing can darken the skin), pregnancy or menstruation (e.g., skin becomes pale during pregnancy and menstruation which makes dark circles look darker), and inadequate nutrition (e.g., lack of key nutrients such as iron can cause dark under eye circles).

One method for treating under eye circles includes topical application of a composition having hydroquinone. Hydroquinone, however, can be toxic, and it may actually cause hyper-pigmentation and make the dark circles darker. Cosmetic concealers can be used to hide the dark circles. Unfortunately, the dark circles become visible again once the concealer is removed. Chamomile has also been used, but can cause allergic reactions.

As for puffy eyes, this is a condition where the skin under the eyes swells which can be visually undesirable. Puffy eyes can be caused by several factors including increased vascularization, leaky capillaries, thinning/slackening skin which can fill up with more fluid, loss of the fat pad under the eye which can contribute to under eye bags, and allergies, dusts, and pollutants which can trigger a release of chemicals thereby swelling the tissue around the eyes.

One method of treating puffy eyes includes washing the face with cold water to reduce swelling. Other treatments include dietary restrictions (e.g., limiting the intake of salt), placing slices of cucumbers on the eyes, or placing tea bags in cold water and subsequently placing the bags on the eyes. These treatment options can be limiting in that the effects can oftentimes be negligible or short-lived.

3. Aged or Environmentally Damaged Skin

Several different approaches have been used to treat damaged skin caused by aging, environmental factors, chemicals, or malnutrition. One approach involves the use of specific agents to directly stimulate or inhibit selected biochemical targets. Examples include the use of retinoids to stimulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis by fibroblasts (Schiltz, et al., 1986). Another approach is to use agents or processes that stimulate the rate at which the epidermis replaces itself, a process known as epidermal cell renewal. Increases in epidermal cell renewal rates usually result from a more rapid rate of replication of epidermal basal cells, and can be caused by diverse stimuli such as chemical or physical injury, adverse environmental conditions, or direct stimulators of basal cell division.

Several of the above methods have been shown to have various drawbacks, such as significant irritation to the skin or skin toxicity. In addition, most of these methods involve the invocation of chronic damage to the skin, which sets up repair mechanisms. For most of the existing treatments, there will be a period of time, up to several weeks or months, during which the skin becomes irritated and after which tolerance sets in and the symptoms of irritation may decrease and/or cease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compositions and methods that can be used to treat the appearance of a person's skin.

In certain aspects, the compositions can be formulated to have a pH of about less than 4.0, or 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, to about 12.0, or more, or any range or integer derivable therein. In other aspects, the compositions can be formulated into a cosmetic product (e.g., skin cleanser, moisturizer, concealer, etc.). The composition can be comprised in a cosmetic vehicle (e.g., an emulsion, cream, lotion, solution, anhydrous base, gel, ointment, etc.). The composition can be in a dry, powdered, liquid, solid, semi-solid, spray, or aerosol form. It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention can be used in combination with other cosmetic products (e.g., a composition of the present invention can be formulated into a concealer product which can be used in conjunction with a foundation product). The compositions can be formulated for application to skin at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more times per day.

As described throughout this specification, the ingredients in compositions of the present invention can be present within the compositions in a variety of amounts. The amounts can be measured by total weight or volume of the composition. By way of example only, an ingredient can be included into the composition at 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99%, or more, or any range or integer derivable therein, by weight or volume of the total composition. In certain aspects, Magnolia extract can be in a composition from about 0.1% to about 10.0% by weight. The ratio of any ingredient within the composition when compared to another ingredient can be from about 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1, 18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 21:1, 22:1, 23:1, 24:1, 25:1, 26:1, 27:1, 28:1, 29:1, 30:1, 31:1, 32:1, 33:1, 34:1, 35:1, 36:1, 37:1, 38:1, 39:1, 40:1, 50:1, 60:1, 70:1, 80:1, 90:1, 100:1, or more or any number derivable therein, by weight or volume of the total composition. In other aspects, the ratio of any ingredient within the composition when compared to another ingredient can be from about 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, or more or any number derivable therein, by weight or volume of the total composition.

The compositions of the present invention can include additional ingredients that can be included into cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions. As explained throughout this specification, non-limiting examples of additional ingredients can include essential oils, volatile, and non-volatile oils, thickening agents, surfactants, preservatives, silicone containing compounds, absorbents, adsorbents, chelating agents, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g., emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents that affect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin), water repellents, anti-oxidants, UV absorbers, anti-irritants, anti-microbial agents, dyes and color ingredients, or structuring agents, or any combination thereof.

In other aspects of the present invention, there is disclosed a method of treating a skin condition, comprising topically applying an effective amount of a composition of the present invention to skin. Topical application of the composition can treat or prevent such a skin condition. The effectiveness of the composition can be compared with skin that has not been treated with a composition of the present invention. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the skin treatment can be localized to and/or around an area where the composition is applied to the skin. The skin can be facial, torso, back, neck, ear, pelvic, arms, hands, legs (e.g., ankle, knee, thigh), feet, or buttocks skin. For instance, topical application of a composition to , wherein topical application of the composition treats the skin condition. Non-limiting examples of skin conditions that can be treated or prevented with compositions of the present invention include telangiectasia (i.e., spider veins), eye circles (e.g., dark circles under the eye), puffy eyes, pruritus, lentigo, age spots, senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches, wrinkles, fine lines, nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis (including, but not limited to seborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis), psoriasis, folliculitis, rosacea, acne, impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, or hyperpigmentation. In certain aspects, the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UV light, age, irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, air pollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies, or smoking. The skin to be treated can be aged, nutritionally compromised, or environmentally damaged skin. In certain aspects, the composition can be topically applied in an amount effective to increase the stratum corneum turnover rate of the skin, collagen synthesis production of the skin, fat production of the skin, firmness of the skin, or elasticity of the skin. In other aspects, the composition can be topically applied in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit new capillary formation in or near the skin, blood flow to the skin, fluid amount in or near the skin, or melanin production in the skin.

Also disclosed are kits that can include a composition of the present invention. In certain non-limiting aspects, the composition is comprised in a container. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, package, etc. The container can be configured to dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. The container can be configured to dispense the composition in a semi-solid, liquid, spray, or an aerosol form. In certain aspects, the kit can include indicial on its surface and/or instructions for using the composition.

In other aspects of the present invention, the composition can be used as part of a regimen to treat a skin condition. For instance, the regimen can include applying a composition of the present invention in a first instance as disclosed throughout this specification. The regimen can then include additional applications that are identical, similar, or different than the first instance application. The additional applications can include, for example, a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, nine, tenth, or more applications with a composition of the present invention and/or whether another method for treating a particular skin condition (e.g., other compositions, surgeries, etc.).

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

The terms “inhibiting,” “reducing,” or “prevention,” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and in certain aspects within 0.5%.

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In today's image conscious society, people are continually looking for a product that can improve the visual appearance of their skin. The skin's appearance can be affected in a negative way from skin conditions. For instance, spider veins (i.e., telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities) can appear on a person's skin (e.g., face, thighs, calves, ankles, arms, torso, buttocks, etc.) as unsightly clusters of red, blue or purple veins. Under eye circles and puffy eyes can appear as dark circles and swelling around the periorbital area, respectively. Additionally, aged or environmentally damaged skin which can include the appearance fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increased sagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarse surface texture, and mottled pigmentation.

In one aspect, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating skin conditions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the compositions of the present invention can be used to treat spider veins, eye circles, puffy eyes, or environmentally damaged skin by topically applying a composition of the present invention to an area of the skin that needs such treatment. As noted throughout this specification, the compositions can include at least one or any combination of the following ingredients: Magnolia extract; honokiol, magnolol, humulus lupulus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, gotu kola, dipeptide valyl-tryptophane, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3, corylus avellana bud extract, cucumis sativa extract, morus alba extract, hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, vitis vinifera extract, ascorbyl glucoside, citrus medica limonum extract, avena sativa kernel extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, aniseed myrtle extract, tasmania lanceolata leaf extract, artemisia abrotanum extract, citrus grandis fruit extract, or apigenin. These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are described in further detail in the following sections.

A. Ingredients

The following subsections provide non-limiting examples of ingredients that can be included into compositions of the present invention. The compositions can include any one of the following ingredients or a combination of such ingredients. It is contemplated that other ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the ingredients are commercially available, can be chemically synthesized, or can be isolated or purified by known methods from sources that includes such ingredients.

1. Magnolia Extract

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the compositions of the present invention can include a Magnolia extract. The Magnolia extract can be obtained or derived from a variety of sources from a Magnolia plant (e.g., flower, bark, seed cone, etc.). In general, Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnoliodieae of the family Magnoliaceae. Magnolia extract can be obtained from the species within the Magnoliaceae family. Non-limiting examples of these species include Magnolia acuminata, Magnolia ashei, Magnolia biondii, Magnolia cylindrica, Magnolia cambellii, Magnolia denudata, Magnolia fraseri, Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia hypoleuca, Magnolia kobus, Magnolia hliiflora, Magnolia loegneri, Magnolia macrophylla, Magnolia officinalis, Magnolia pyramidata, Magnolia sargentiana, Magnolia seiboldii, Magnolia soulangiana, Magnolia sprengeri, Magnolia stellata, Magnolia tripetala, Magnolia virginiana, Magnolia zenii, and Michelia figo. A more complete listing of the species within the Magnoliaceae family can be found in Figlar & Nooteboom (2004), which is incorporated by reference.

Magnolia extract can reduce the blood flow near the skin surface though a variety of ways (e.g., vasoconstriction, inhibition of angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, or tube formation in or near the skin area that has been contacted with a composition containing Magnolia extract). Active ingredients that have been identified in Magnolia flower, bark, and seed cone extracts include magnolol, dihydroxydihydromagnolol, honokiol, and dihydrohonokiol. These are polyphenolic containing compounds in which honokiol is an isomer of magnolol.

Magnolia extracts are commercial available from a variety of different sources. For instance Magnolia extracts can be purchased from Carrubba, Inc. (Milford, Conn.), Arcadia Herbs & Alternatives (Langhorne, Pa.), and Herbal Extracts Plus (Croydon, Pa.). Alternatively, a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to isolate Magnolia extract from the Magnolia flower, bark, or seed cone by using any suitable isolation and purification methods known in the art (see e.g., Bai et al. (2003).

2. Honokiol and Magnolol

The compositions of the present invention can include honokiol or magnolol or both. As noted above, these are biphenolic containing compounds in which honokiol is an isomer of magnolol. These compounds can be useful in reducing the blood flow near the skin surface through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., vasoconstriction, inhibition of angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, or tube formation in or near the skin area that has been contacted with a composition containing honokiol or magnolol). The chemical structures of these compounds are illustrated below:

Honokiol and magnolol can be isolated or purified from Magnolia extracts (e.g., flower, bark, and seed cone extracts) or other extracts that include such compounds by standard techniques. Alternatively, these compounds are commercially available (e.g., Wako Chemical Company (Tokyo, Japan)) or can be synthesized using convention chemical synthesis techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., Vollhardt and Schore, 1994).

For instance, Humulus lupulus extract, or hops extract, can be used to reduce blood flow near the skin surface though the vasoconstriction, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of endothelial cell migration or tube formation in or near the skin area that has been contacted with a composition containing hops extract. Hops extract is commercially available through a variety of sources (e.g., Actives International (Allendale, N.J.)) and can also be isolated or purified from Humulus lupulus plants by standard isolation and purification techniques. Non-limiting examples of varieties of Humulus lupulus from which hops extract can be obtained include Humulus lupulus var. lupulus, Humulus lupulus var. cordifolius, Humulus lupulus var. lupuloides (syn. H americanus), Humulus lupulus var. neomexicanus, and Humulus lupulus var. pubescens. Humulus lupulus extract includes active ingredients such as humulene and lupulene.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) extract is a vine-like plant that is native to India and Southeast Asia. This ingredient can be used to strengthen capillary micro vessel barrier which can improve the overall function of blood vessels (e.g., efficient or improved blood circulation) in or near the skin area that has been contacted with a composition containing Gotu kola extract. Gotu kola extract is commercially available through a variety of sources (e.g., Naturex (South Hackensack, N.J.)) and can also be isolated or purified from Gotu kola containing plants by standard isolation and purification techniques. Gotu kola extract contains active ingredients such as asiaticoside (a triterpene glycoside) (triterpenoid), brahmoside and brahminoside (both saponin glycosides), madecassoside (a glycoside with anti-inflammatory properties), madecassic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin K, asparate, glutamate, serine, threonine, alanine, lysine, histidine, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

Hesperidin methyl chalcone, dipeptide valyl-tryptophane (i.e., dipeptide-2 which comprises valine and tryptophan), and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 (which is the reaction product of palmitic acid and a synthetic peptide containing glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) can also be included in compositions of the present invention. Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid which can be found in citrus peel such as the peel of sweet oranges (Citrus aurantium var. sinensis), can be converted into hesperidin methyl chalcone by extracting hesperidin from its source and placing the extract into an alkaline solution. This converts hesperidin into hesperidin chalcone which can subsequently be methylated by any known methylation process to produce hesperidin methyl chalcone. Hesperidin methyl chalcone can strengthen capillary micro vessel barrier in or near skin area that has been contacted with a composition including this ingredient. Dipeptide valyl-tryptophane, which is commercially available under the trade name DIPEPTIDE VW™ through Sederma SAS (Cedex, France), can be used to mobilize fluid in skin tissue and drain the fluid from such tissue (which can reduce puffy eyes) when applied to the skin. Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3, which is commercially available under the trade name N-PALMITOYL RIGIN™ through Sederma SAS (Cedex, France), can reduce local inflammation in skin tissue and restore skin firmness and elasticity when applied to skin. Further, a blend of these three ingredients is also commercially available under the trade name EYELISS™ through Dermaxime (Gauteng, South Africa).

Corylus (Hazel) extract can moisturize skin and can be used to mobilize fluid in skin tissue and drain the fluid from such tissue (which can reduce puffy eyes) when applied to the skin. The extract can be obtained from the bud, flower, leaves, nut, bark, etc. from the Hazel plant. Hazel extract is commercially available through a variety of sources (e.g., Mountain Rose Herbs, Eugene, Oreg.) and can also be isolated or purified from Hazel plants by standard isolation and purification techniques. Non-limiting examples of species of which Hazel extract can be obtained include Corylus americana, Corylus avellana, Corylus chinensis, Corylus colurna, Corylus cornuta, Corylus ferox, Corylus heterophylla, Corylus jacquemontii, Corylus maxima, Corylus sieboldiana, and Corylus tibetica.

Cucumis sativa (Cucumber) extract, morus alba extract, hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, and vitis vinifera extract can be used in to brighten or even skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase activity when applied to the skin. These ingredients are commercially available through a variety of sources and can also be isolated or purified from plants containing these extracts by standard isolation and purification techniques. In certain non limiting aspects, a blend of these ingredients can be used to obtain brighter or more even skin tone. Such a blend is commercially available under the trade name CLERILYS™ through GreenTech SA (Saint Beauzire, France).

Ascorbyl glucoside can also be used to brighten or even skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase activity when applied to the skin. Ascorbyl glucoside is a derivative of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that includes an attached glucose sugar. In an ascorbyl glucoside molecule, typically, the glucose is typically attached at an OH group of ascorbic acid. The following is a non-limiting example of one form of ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbic acid-2 glucoside:

The compositions of the present invention can include an extract formulation comprising cucumis sativa (Cucumber) extract and citrus medica limonum (Lemon). Such a formulation can be used to brighten or even skin tone by inhibiting tyrosinase activity when applied to the skin. Such a formulation is commercially available under the trade name UNINONTAN U34™ through Chesham Chemicals, Ltd. (United Kingdom). Ingredients with the UNINONTAN U34™ formulation include cucumber extract (cucumis sativus) (15.0%), lemon extract (citrus medica limonum) (16.0%), sodium citrate (20.0%), propylene glycol (23.5%), and water (25.5%).

Non-limiting examples of anti-irritants and anti-oxidants that can be included in the compositions of the present invention include Avena sativa (Oat) extract, hydrolyzed soy protein, aniseed myrtle extract, tasmania lanceolata leaf extract, and Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) flower extract, or any combination or mixture of such ingredients. These ingredients are commercially available through a variety of sources and can also be isolated or purified from plants containing these extracts by standard isolation and purification techniques. For instance, a composition comprising Oat extract is commercially available under the trade name DRAGO CALM™ through Symrise (Holzminden, Germany). Hydrolyzed soy protein is commercially available under the trade name AQUA PRO SP™ through MGP Ingredients, Inc. (Atchison, Kans.). A blend of Anetholea anisata (aniseed myrtle) extract, Tasmania lanceolota (tasmanian mountain pepperberry) leaf extract, and Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) flower extract is commercially available under the trade name MOUNTAIN HARVEST™ through Southern Cross Botanicals (Knockrow, Australia).

Artemisia abrotanum (Southernwood) extract can stimulate adipogenesis and aid in the protection of the fat pad under the eye. This can be beneficial in combating fine lines and wrinkles and thinning/slackening skin. Southernwood extract is commercially available under the trade name PULPACTYL™ through Silab (Cedex, France) and can also be isolated or purified from plants containing these extracts by standard isolation and purification techniques.

Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) peel extract has anti-hyaluronidase, anti-angiogenesis, anti-and inflammatory properties when applied to skin. This ingredient can be used as a soothing agent for acute or chronic inflammation and can help repair skin damaged from excessive UV exposure. An active ingredient in Grapefruit extract is Apigenin. Grapefruit extract is commercially available under the trade name VIAPURE CITRUS™ through Actives International (Allendale, N.J.) and can also be isolated or purified from plants containing these extracts by standard isolation and purification techniques.

4. Cosmetic Ingredients

Compositions of the present invention can include other ingredients. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients that can be added to cosmetic formulations can be found in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 10th Ed., 2004, which is incorporated by reference. Such ingredients include surfactants, preservatives, absorbents, adsorbents, chelating agents, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g., emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents that affect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin), water repellents, anti-oxidants, UV absorbers, anti-irritants, vitamins, trace metals, anti-microbial agents, dyes and color ingredients, and/or structuring agents (see, e.g., McCutcheon's Functional Materials North American Edition 2001 and McCutcheon's Emulsifiers & Detergents North American Edition 2001; U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,938).

Non-limiting examples of preservatives that can be used in the context of the present invention include quaternary ammonium preservatives such as polyquaternium-1 and benzalkonium halides (e.g., benzalkonium chloride (“BAC”) and benzalkonium bromide), parabens (e.g., methylparabens and propylparabens), phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal or combinations thereof.

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present invention can include a structuring agent. Structuring agent, in certain aspects, assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition to contribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuring agents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limiting examples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmitic acid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethylene oxide units, and mixtures thereof. Other non-limiting examples can be found in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 10th edition, 2004, which is incorporated by reference.

h. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include any member of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone is made up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groups attached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, side groups, and cross linking, silicones can be synthesized into a wide variety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel to solids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of the present invention include those described in this specification or those known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examples include silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, and solids. In certain aspects, the silicon containing compounds includes a silicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples of polyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone, polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone, stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxane materials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistency and application characteristics depending upon the intended application (e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A “volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat of vaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of silicone oil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include: cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid, Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207 (Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e., dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g., dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow Corning Fluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich. Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 10th edition, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as cyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylated linear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units, respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be used in the context of the present invention include those available from General Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWS Silicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

i. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, and other plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets between the plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to those of skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extraction by using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing). When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate (i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless, but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils are insoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils (vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristics found in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160° to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, include substances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition. Certain thickeners can increase the viscosity of a composition without substantially modifying the efficacy of the active ingredient within the composition. Thickeners can also increase the stability of the compositions of the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of thickening agents that can be used in the context of the present invention include hydrogenated polyisobutene or trihydroxystearin or combination of both. Other examples include carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic ac id polymers include crosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived from acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of these acrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein the crosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds and is derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445; 4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Tenth Edition, 2004). Examples of commercially available carboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol (e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers include cationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379.

Another example is an alkyl substituted cellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer is hydroxyalkylated (e.g., hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) to form a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with a C10-C30 straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an ether linkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C10-C30 straight or branched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other useful polysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3) linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

The ingredients of the compositions of the present invention can be obtained by any means known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment, for example, the ingredients can be isolated by obtaining the source of such ingredient. In many instances, the ingredients are also commercially available as explained above. For example, Magnolia extracts can be obtained through any number of companies including Carrubba, Inc. (Milford, Conn.), Arcadia Herbs & Alternatives (Langhorne, Pa.), and Herbal Extracts Plus (Croydon, Pa.). Additionally, the compounds, agents, and active ingredients can be purified by any number of techniques known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examples of purification techniques include Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gel chromatography or Molecular Sieve Chromatography, and Affinity Chromatography. In other aspects, the compounds, agents, and active ingredients can be obtained by chemical synthesis or by recombinant means by using conventional techniques. See, for example, Stewart and Young, (1984); Tam et al., (1983); Merrifield, (1986); and Barany and Merrifield (1979), Houghten (1985).

C. Modifications and Derivatives

Modifications or derivatives of the ingredients disclosed throughout this specification are also contemplated as being useful with the methods and compositions of the present invention. Derivatives may be prepared and the properties of such derivatives may be assayed for their desired properties by any method known to those of skill in the art.

In certain aspects, “derivative” refers to a chemically modified compound that still retains the desired effects of the compound prior to the chemical modification. Such derivatives may have the addition, removal, or substitution of one or more chemical moieties on the parent molecule. Non limiting examples of the types modifications that can be made to the compounds and structures disclosed throughout this document include the addition or removal of lower alkanes such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or substituted lower alkanes such as hydroxymethyl or aminomethyl groups; carboxyl groups and carbonyl groups; hydroxyls; nitro, amino, amide, and azo groups; sulfate, sulfonate, sulfono, sulfhydryl, sulfonyl, sulfoxido, phosphate, phosphono, phosphoryl groups, and halide substituents. Additional modifications can include an addition or a deletion of one or more atoms of the atomic framework, for example, substitution of an ethyl by a propyl; substitution of a phenyl by a larger or smaller aromatic group. Alternatively, in a cyclic or bicyclic structure, hetero atoms such as N, S, or O can be substituted into the structure instead of a carbon atom.

D. Equivalents

Known and unknown equivalents to the ingredients discussed throughout this specification and claims can be used with the compositions and methods of the present invention. The equivalents can be used as substitutes for any given ingredient in a composition of the present invention. The equivalents can also be used to add to the methods and compositions of the present invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to recognize and identify acceptable known and unknown equivalents to the ingredients without undue experimentation.

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated in a variety of different vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles include emulsions (e.g., oil/water emulsion, an oil/water/oil emulsion, a water/oil emulsion, a water/oil/water emulsion, a water/silicone emulsion, a water/silicone/water emulsion, a silicone/water emulsion, a silicone/water/silicone emulsion, a water/wax emulsion, or an oil/water/silicone emulsion), creams, lotions, solutions (both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (e.g., lipsticks and powders), gels, ointments, serums, liquids, fluids, non-aerosol sprays, aerosol sprays, non-aerosol foams, aerosol foams or by other method or any combination of the forgoing as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art (Remington's, 1990). Variations and other appropriate vehicles will be apparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate for use in the present invention. In certain aspects, it is important that the concentrations and combinations of ingredients be selected in such a way that the combinations are chemically compatible and do not form complexes which precipitate from the finished product.

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of the present invention. For instance, compositions of the present invention can be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers can include a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, a dispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, a compartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pans that can hold cosmetic compositions (e.g., foundations), or other types of containers such as injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which the dispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packages are retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on its surface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. In other embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal, laminate, or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of the composition. The composition can be dispensed as a spray, an aerosol, a liquid, a fluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump, or squeeze mechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for employing the kit components as well the use of any other dispersions or compositions included in the container. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply, use, and maintain the products, dispersions, or compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limiting aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in the practice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Example 1

A non-limiting example of a composition of the present invention is described in Table 1. This composition is a cream that can be topically applied to skin.

The following non-limiting procedure was used to prepare the composition in Table 1. All Phase A ingredients were added to water in a main vessel and dispersed by propeller and sweep mixing. The mixture was heated to 55-60° C. and while mixing. In a separate vessel, the Phase B ingredients were heated to 55-60° C. or until the solids melted. The Phase B mixture was added to the main vessel and mixed for approximately fifteen (15) minutes. The heat source was removed. The Phase C ingredients were added to the main vessel in the order listed in Table 1 while mixing. Before the Phase D ingredients were added, the mixture resembled a smooth, thick, white cream. The Phase D ingredients were added to the main vessel at approximately 50° C. while mixing (note that the Phase D ingredients can be made into a slurry prior to adding to the main vessel, if needed). As the Phase D ingredients are added, the mixture will thin back down and turn a yellow shade. The Phase E ingredients are then added at 40-45° C. Mixing is continued as the mixture is cooled to 30-35° C.

Example 2

Testing Parameters of the Table 1 Composition: The efficacy of the composition in Table 1 was tested on human skin. The composition was tested on one-hundred and twenty three (123) women (“panelists”) having the following characteristics: (a) ½ of the women were between the ages of 32 to 45 and ½ were between 46 to 60 years of age; (b) ⅓ of the women had dry/dry to normal skin, ⅓ had normal skin and ⅓ had combination skin/oily skin; (c) 80% of the women had noticeably mild/moderate “under eye puffiness;” and (d) 50% of the women used a facial concealer product 3 or more times a week. A summary of the panelists' skin conditions is in Table 2. The composition was applied to the under eye skin area twice a day (once in the morning and evening) for a total of fourteen (14) days. The panelists filled out questionnaires that inquired into the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition.

TABLE 2

(Panelist Skin Conditions)

AGE

SKIN TYPE@

SKIN TONE

Total

35-45

46-60

Dry

Normal

Oily

Light

Medium

Dark

Base: Total Respondents

(123)

(57)

(66)

(41)

(38)

(44)

(49)@

(50)

(24)@

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

Crow's Feet

55

37

71

59

61

48

53

60

50

Dark Circles

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Mild

69

83

58

66

66

75

61

74

75

Moderate

31

17

42

34

34

25

39

26

25

Undereye Puffiness

85

77

92

85

87

84

84

86

88

Mild

64

68

61

63

66

64

55

68

75

Moderate

21

9

31

22

21

20

29

18

13

Results of the Table 1 Composition: The panelists' responses are summarized in the following Tables 3-16. The responses in Table 3 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin.

TABLE 3

(Immediately After Application)

Number of

Claim Attribute*

Respondents

% Agree

% Disagree

Is easy to apply

123

98

2

Is lightweight

122

98

2

Leaves a soft afterfeel

123

96

4

My regular eye cream applies easily over the test product

118

96

4

My regular foundation applies easily over the test product

117

96

4

Does not feel oily/greasy during application

123

93

7

Provides a cooling sensation upon application

119

92

8

Does not leave an oily/greasy afterfeel

123

91

9

Leaves a smooth afterfeel

121

90

10

Is suitable for my skin type

121

90

10

Has a silky-smooth texture

121

87

13

Absorbs quickly

122

84

16

Provides a cooling sensation that lasts a few minutes

122

82

18

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye puffiness

115

56

44

immediately after application

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye puffiness

115

50

50

immediately after application

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles immediately

118

49

51

after application

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles immediately after

117

44

56

application

*Excluding “does not apply to me/don't know”

The panelists' responses in Table 4 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use.

TABLE 4

(After Two Weeks of Use)

Number of

Claim Attribute*

Respondents

% Agree

% Disagree

Freshens my eye area

121

88

12

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

115

80

20

Rejuvenates eye area

120

78

22

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

112

75

25

puffiness

Leaves eye area with a rested look

119

75

25

Softens appearance of dark circles

118

74

26

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

114

74

26

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

113

73

27

puffiness

Revitalizes eye area

122

73

27

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

112

70

30

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

102

70

30

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

118

69

31

Leaves eye area looking younger

121

69

31

Improves appearance of dark circles

118

68

32

Brightens up eye area

121

68

32

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

117

66

34

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

103

66

34

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

120

66

34

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

118

64

36

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

102

63

37

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

102

61

39

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

103

56

44

The responses in Table 5 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelist age.

The panelists' responses in Table 6 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelist age.

TABLE 6

(Age--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

AGE

32-45

46-60

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

73

65

Improves appearance of dark circles

67

68

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

66

66

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

71

59

Softens appearance of dark circles

80

68

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

83

77

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

73

77

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

77

71

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

74

72

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

71

69

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

71

68

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

63

68

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

59

66

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

59

63

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

52

60

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

87

89

Rejuvenates eye area

84

72

Leaves eye area with a rested look

76

73

Revitalizes eye area

75

71

Leaves eye area looking younger

75

63

Brightens up eye area

71

65

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

68

64

The panelists' responses in Table 7 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelists who have mild/moderate under eye puffiness and panelists who do not have under eye puffiness.

The panelists' responses in Table 8 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelists who have mild/moderate under eye puffiness and panelists who do not have under eye puffiness.

TABLE 8

(Undereye Puffiness--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

UNDEREYE PUFFINESS

Have Mild/Moderate

Do Not Have

Undereye Puffiness

Undereye Puffiness

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

66

83

Improves appearance of dark circles

65

83

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

64

78

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

63

72

Softens appearance of dark circles

71

89

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

78

93

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

72

93

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

72

87

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

69

93

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

68

80

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

68

83

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

63

85

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

60

85

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

57

85

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

54

69

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

89

88

Rejuvenates eye area

75

94

Leaves eye area with a rested look

74

82

Revitalizes eye area

70

89

Leaves eye area looking younger

66

83

Brightens up eye area

66

78

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

64

78

The panelists' responses in Table 9 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelists who have mild dark circles under the eye and panelists who do not have mild dark circles under the eye.

The panelists' responses in Table 10 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelists who have mild dark circles under the eye and panelists who do not have mild dark circles under the eye.

TABLE 10

(Dark Circles--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

DARK CIRCLES

Mild

Moderate

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

70

66

Improves appearance of dark circles

69

66

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

67

63

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

68

58

Softens appearance of dark circles

76

68

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

80

81

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

74

77

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

75

71

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

73

71

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

74

59

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

74

60

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

69

60

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

64

60

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

63

57

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

58

53

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

88

90

Rejuvenates eye area

77

78

Leaves eye area with a rested look

72

81

Revitalizes eye area

74

71

Leaves eye area looking younger

68

71

Brightens up eye area

66

71

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

66

65

The panelists' responses in Table 11 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelists who use a concealer product and panelists who do not use a concealer product.

The panelists' responses in Table 12 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelists who use a concealer product and panelists who do not use a concealer product.

TABLE 12

(Concealer Use--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

USE OF CONCEALER

Use

Do Not Use

Concealer

Concealer

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

72

65

Improves appearance of dark circles

72

63

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

69

62

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

66

63

Softens appearance of dark circles

78

69

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

87

71

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

81

67

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

79

67

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

80

63

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

75

62

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

78

59

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

75

55

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

71

52

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

69

50

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

66

43

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

91

85

Rejuvenates eye area

82

71

Leaves eye area with a rested look

84

64

Revitalizes eye area

81

62

Leaves eye area looking younger

74

62

Brightens up eye area

75

58

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

72

58

The panelists' responses in Table 13 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelists who have dry, normal, and oily skin.

The panelists' responses in Table 14 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelists who have dry, normal, and oily skin.

TABLE 14

(Skin Type--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

SKIN TYPE

Dry

Normal

Oily

%

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

63

67

76

Improves appearance of dark circles

68

64

71

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

66

58

73

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

66

53

73

Softens appearance of dark circles

68

69

83

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

73

80

87

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

70

77

78

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

68

80

74

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

68

77

73

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

68

71

70

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

64

69

77

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

61

69

69

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

58

66

65

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

58

66

58

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

58

51

59

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

85

90

91

Rejuvenates eye area

73

78

81

Leaves eye area with a rested look

73

75

76

Revitalizes eye area

73

74

72

Leaves eye area looking younger

59

68

79

Brightens up eye area

71

61

71

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

63

65

69

The panelists' responses in Table 15 concern the tactile properties and efficacy of the composition immediately after application to the skin. The responses are organized by panelists who have light, medium, and dark skin tones.

*“Light” = Very Light and Light; “Medium” = Light to Medium, Medium and Medium to Dark: “Dark” = Dark and Very Dark

The panelists' responses in Table 16 concern the efficacy of the composition after two weeks of use. The responses are organized by panelists who have light, medium, and dark skin tones.

TABLE 16

(Skin Tone--After Two Weeks of Use)

Two Weeks After Use - “% Agree”

SKIN TONE*

Light

Medium

Dark

%

%

%

Dark Circles

Visibly minimizes appearance of dark circles

65

67

79

Improves appearance of dark circles

63

71

71

Visibly reduces appearance of dark circles

59

70

71

Diminishes appearance of dark circles

63

63

71

Softens appearance of dark circles

72

73

79

Puffiness

Softens appearance of undereye puffiness

71

88

82

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

67

83

73

puffiness

Improves appearance of undereye puffiness

66

79

77

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

66

81

68

puffiness

Diminishes appearance of undereye puffiness

61

77

71

Saggy Skin

Softens appearance of undereye sagginess

67

69

76

Improves appearance of undereye sagginess

67

65

67

Visibly reduces appearance of undereye

59

62

71

sagginess

Visibly minimizes appearance of undereye

62

60

62

sagginess

Diminishes appearance of undereye sagginess

54

58

57

General Appearance Of Eye Area

Freshens my eye area

89

88

88

Rejuvenates eye area

79

78

75

Leaves eye area with a rested look

69

76

83

Revitalizes eye area

71

76

71

Leaves eye area looking younger

60

74

75

Brightens up eye area

60

72

74

Leaves eye area looking vibrant

62

65

75

*“Light” = Very Light and Light: “Medium” = Light to Medium, Medium and Medium to Dark: “Dark” = Dark and Very Dark

Example 3

Three ingredients that can be used in the compositions of the present invention were tested to determine their effects on melanin production and tyrosinase activity. The three ingredients were CLERILYS™, Ascorbyl Glucoside, and UNINONTAN U34™. The materials and methods used to perform these tests and the corresponding data follows.

Materials and Methods: Human melanocytes from a moderately pigmented donor were purchased from Cascade Biologics (Portland, Oreg.). Human dermal fibroblasts were purchased from Cambrex (Rockland, Me.). In order to determine the optimal concentrations of the test materials for the whitening experiment, these materials were first examined in a proliferation assay with human dermal fibroblasts. The highest non-interfering concentration was determined for each test material and further 5-fold dilutions were made for use in melanocytes cultures.

The following assay was used to the effects of the materials on melanin production. Melanocytes were seeded in the fully-supplemented 254 medium (Cascade) in 96 well plates and test materials were added 24 h later. Cells were grown for 6 days with one growth medium change. At the end of the experiment, cells were lysed with the Cellytic Mammalian Cell Lysis/Extraction Reagent (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and melanin was solubilized in 2N NaOH. Melanin content was determined spectrophotometrically at 405 nm and standardized to total protein content from the same cultures, using Bradford reagent (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). Kojic acid was used as positive control. Cell cultures were monitored on a Nikon Eclipse inverted microscope.

Results: The test results of the melanin production and tyrosinase inhibition assays are summarized in Table 17 below. These results confirm that the tested materials can inhibit melanin production and tyrosinase activity.

TABLE 17

(Melanin Production Assay)

Melanin

Tyrosinase

Tyrosinase

Tyrosinase

Inhibition

Dilution

inhibition assay

inhibition assay

inhibition assay

Test Material

in Cells)

Factor

(5 min)

(10 min)

(20 min)

H20

100%

—

100.0

100.0

100.0

Kojic acid

83%

200 μM

39.0

35.5

33.1

CLERILYS ™

60%

1-100

62.4

45.9

34.3

Ascorbyl Glucoside

75-65.5%

1/25- 1/125

33.8

30.6

30.1

UNINONTAN U34 ™

60.5%

1/100

9.4

6.5

5.0

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (27)

1. A method of increasing firmness or elasticity or reducing the appearance of sagginess in the periorbital area of a person's skin, comprising topically applying to the skin in need thereof a composition comprising magnolia extract and vitis vinifera extract.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an anti-oxidant and a moisturizer.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the anti-oxidant is tocopherol or tocopherol acetate.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the moisturizer is hydrogenated lecithin, lecithin, or dextrin.

15. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises magnolol, and wherein the amount of magnolol to glucosamine in the composition is in a ratio of 1:10 to 1:1.

16. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises honokiol, and wherein the amount of honokiol to glucosamine in the composition is in a ratio of 1:10 to 1:1.

17. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises magnolol and honokiol, and wherein the combined amount of magnolol and honokiol to glucosamine in the composition is in a ratio of 1:10 to 1:1.

18. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition is in the form of a powder.

19. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid.

20. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition is in the form of a liquid.

21. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition is in the form of a gel.

22. The composition of claim 12, wherein the composition is formulated for topical application to skin.

23. A method of applying the composition of claim 12 to skin comprising obtaining the composition and applying the composition to skin.

24. The method of claim 24, wherein the composition is applied to a skin condition.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the skin condition is an inflammation of the skin.

26. A method of treating a skin condition comprising topically applying the composition of claim 12 to skin in need thereof.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the skin condition is an inflammation of the skin.